Segment identification
Name, waterbody identification number (WBID), location, size, classification.
Sources of information: coding system (waterbody identification number e.g., MA94-01) used by MassDEP to reference the stream segment in databases such as 305(b) and 303(d); the Massachusetts SWQS (MassDEP 1996); and other descriptive information.
Segment description
Major land-use estimates (the top three uses for the recharge area and % impervious cover) and other descriptive information.
Sources of information: descriptive information from USGS topographical maps, base geographic data from MassGIS, land use statistics from a geographic information system (GIS) analysis using the MassGIS land use coverage developed at a scale of 1:25,000 and based on aerial photographs taken in 1999 (UMass Amherst 1999).
Cranberry Bog Cultivation:
For the purpose of this report, water use for cranberry cultivation within the recharge area has been estimated by using a volume of 10 acre-feet of water per acre of bog per year (1 acre-foot = 325,900 gallons). The acreage of cranberry bog within the recharge area has been estimated by using the cranberry bog category of the MassGIS Land-Use data layer. The figure of 10 acre-feet of water per acre of bog per year is based on a study conducted by the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association for the Massachusetts Water Management Act Program. It should be noted that this figure is used for “old style” bogs, those bogs that do not employ best management practices (BMPs) that conserve water. Most bogs constructed today, and many renovated older bogs, use BMPs, such as laser leveling, on-site reservoirs, tailwater recovery, etc., which result in reduced water usage (between 5 and 6 acre-feet of water per acre of bog per year). Therefore, the estimate of water usage within the subwatershed for cranberry cultivation is a conservative number (O’Shea 2002).
Segment locator map
Subbasin map, major river location, and segment drainage area (shaded area).
Sources of information: MassGIS data layers (stream segments and quadrangle maps from MassGIS 2002).
Water withdrawals and wastewater discharge permit information
Water withdrawal, NPDES wastewater discharge
Sources of information: WMA Database Printout (LeVangie 2002); open permit files located in the Worcester and Lakeville Regional MassDEP Offices (MassDEP 2003c, MassDEP 2005a, and Domizio 2004).
Use assessment
Aquatic Life, Fish Consumption, Drinking Water (where applicable – see note below), Primary Contact Recreation, Secondary Contact Recreation, and Aesthetics.
Sources of information include: MassDEP DWM 1996 and 2001 survey data (Appendices A through E) and the MassDEP DWM Toxicity Testing Database “TOXTD”. The MDPH Freshwater Fish Consumption Advisory Lists (MDPH 2001 and MDPH 2002) were used to assess the Fish Consumption Use. MA DMF shellfish area classifications were used to assess the Shellfish Harvesting Use. Where other sources of information were used to assess designated uses, citations were included.
[Note: Although the Drinking Water Use is not assessed in this water quality assessment report, the Class A waters were identified.]
Summary
Use summary table (Designated uses, status, and causes and sources of impairment).
Recommendations
Additional protection, monitoring and implementation needs.
